Cruise Logs

19th July - Stavanger and the Scenic Southern Fjords

Cradled in deep valleys and carved by retreating glaciers flowing to the sea, the Norwegian fjords are a miracle of nature. Approaching this magical region from Stavanger we enter a spellbiding landscape of cascading waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and mighty glaciers.

Thank you to John Noorani for many of the images used on this cruise log.

19th July 2017.

Embarkation took place in Invergordon this afternoon for those guests sailing to Norway.

20th July 2017.

Today was spent sailing the North Sea on passage to Sandnes, Norway where birdlife spotted included a large number of gannets and a flock of Whimbrel.

21st July 2017.

We arrived at Sandnes, Norway this morning where guests spent the morning at their leisure, and guests who had flown from the UK embarked.

The afternoon visit was to Baker’s Paradise, where guests sampled freshly made waffles. We were also told that Trolls often made appearences on cloudy and misty days, we were not disappointed!

We remained berthed alongside at Sandnes overnight.

22nd July 2017.

We spent the morning cruising into Lysefjord, passing the “Brigand Hole”, underneath the mighty 604m high Pulpit Rock on passage to Lysebotn.

After lunch we disembarked at Lysebotn where a coach was available to take guests on a scenic drive 1200m above sea level for dramatic views of Lysefjord and refreshments were served at “Øygardstøl” (“Eagles Nest”).

Today was spent berthed alongside at Stavanger where, in the morning, guests were taken on the “In footsteps of the Vikings” tour including the visit to the archaeological museum and important Viking sites.

In the afternoon, guests enjoyed a guided walking tour of Stavanger Old Town and St. Svithun’s Church.

We remained alongside overnight.

24th July 2017.

Our port of call this morning was the fishing town of Skudeneshavn where guests could explore the old town.

During lunch we cruised to Alvadsnes to visit St Olav's Church and the Nordvegen History Centre .

We passed under Karmsund Bridge on passage to our overnight anchorage.

25th July 2017.

This morning we cruised to Espevær, the width of the entrance channel is only about three times the width of the ship! Guests explored the idyllic village at their leisure and had the opportunity to use the tiny chain ferry.

During lunch we cruised to Leirvik and berthed alongside for a visit to the Leirvik Museum of life or explore the town independently.

We berthed alongside at Rosendal overnight.

26th July 2017.

Guests spent a relaxing morning on board as we cruised Hardangerfjord and Fyksesund on passage to Norheimsund.

After lunch guests disembarked for an afternoon visit to the Hardanger Maritime Museum where they enjoyed a rope-making demonstration.

We remained berthed alongside in Norheimsund overnight.

27th July 2017.

This morning from Jondal guests visited the Folgefonna Glacier.

After lunch guests spent a relaxing afternoon enjoying a scenic cruise under The Stord Bridge and through Stokksund Nyleiato to Bjørnafjord on passage to our overnight anchorage at Lysøya.

28th July 2017.

Our morning visit was Ole Bull’s Villa, home of the eccentric 19th century violinist.

A local guide led an afternoon walking tour of Bergen including Fløien & Hanseatic Museum.

We remained alongside in Bergen overnight.

29th July 2017.

Diembarkation took place this morning in Bergen and guests were transferred to the airport for the flight home.